architecture Archives - CLEVERcreating

Dutch Mills, Fascinating Technique And Some Sign Language

January 31, 2024January 29, 2024 by Hannie Mommers

Usually, if I write about art (architecture, sculpture, painting), it is about modern art. Medieval churches and Renaissance castles, impressive as they are, are for me less interesting to write about.

I am making an exception for mills. Fueled by the interest of Australian family and American friends, I find the technology and function of mills as fascinating as the design of modern architecture.

Since the Middle Ages, the low countries have fought against the water and Dutch windmills played a major role in this.

The Van Abbe Museum in Eindhoven Puts your Imagination to Work

November 3, 2023November 2, 2023 by Hannie Mommers

When Tom and I are visiting the Netherlands, we always frequent different museums. The Van Abbe Museum in Eindhoven is regularly on our list.

The museum houses modern art in the form of paintings, drawings, sculpture and video art. The building is fantastic on the inside. There are quite a few different exhibitions, both short-term and long-term, so there is always something that really appeals to us.

I have an important criticism that I will address in this article, but it has little impact on my feelings. It is a fantastic museum that is well worth a visit.

Postmodern Architecture and my 3 Favourite Heroes

January 25, 2024August 18, 2023 by Hannie Mommers

Architecture has become more interesting since the 1970s than it was before. The New Objectivity movement was sleek and practical, but it ran the risk of becoming boring. A much-needed change was brought about by postmodern building.

The term postmodern architecture (1970s-present) is confusing in my opinion, as is the name modern or modernist architecture (1890s-1970s). Modern means contemporary while by now the modernist architecture movement is almost obsolete.

After all, what should the next movement be called, post-postmodern? But since this is the term everyone uses, I comply. 🙂

3 Spectacular Buildings and Modern Art in Bilbao, Spain

August 14, 2023August 14, 2023 by Hannie Mommers

We dislike the crowds in the big cities more and more, yet, if we want to see beautiful things we will have to go there. Our solution is to spend the night in small towns during the holidays and take a day trip to a city.

On one of those holidays, we wanted to see the modern art in Bilbao and we saw and experienced 3 amazing places. All 3 within walking distance of each other, unless you are not able to walk well.

There is definitely more to see in the city, but we went for modern art; architecture, paintings, and 3D work.

Discovering 3 Fascinating Cultural Hotspots in Tilburg, the Netherlands

May 26, 2023May 22, 2023 by Hannie Mommers

In the 70s I studied and lived in Tilburg. It was hardly a bustling city then. Empty factories and unstructured plans for the town and its inhabitants. A grey impression.

Later I worked as a graphic designer for the municipality of Tilburg and saw the efforts being made to improve the town. Often together with the residents in seminars and workshops.

Nowadays, there is much to experience in the city, especially in the cultural field. Factories and other empty buildings have been refurbished and given a cultural destination.

Insel Hombroich, a Stunning Place of Art, Architecture and Nature

February 27, 2024May 15, 2023 by Hannie Mommers

When I still lived in the Netherlands, Insel Hombroich was a car journey of 1,5 hours from our house. I have visited the location often with friends and family and it was a favourite day out for my staff and me.

An average museum visit lasts between one and two hours. Visiting Insel Hombroich can easily take up a whole day. One of the reasons why it is perfect for a short getaway.

The area is a breathtaking landscape full of little buildings, beautiful vegetation, and most of all a lot of art in all disciplines and genres.

Fantastic Outdoor Land Art on the Estate of Winery Chateau la Coste

May 8, 2023May 8, 2023 by Hannie Mommers

A landscape is often beautiful in itself. Nevertheless, a conscious addition by an artist can be of great added value. It contributes to a different experience of the environment.

My travels have already taken me to several places with landscape art on display or as part of the collection, such as Insel Hombroich in Germany, Museum Kröller-Müller in the Netherlands, and the Beaufort event in Belgium.

In this article, I will tell you about another great location that is well worth visiting: the organic winery Chateau la Coste.

Museum LUMA in Arles, a Lively Creative Breeding Ground

May 4, 2023May 4, 2023 by Hannie Mommers

A Lively Creative Breeding Ground: Museum LUMA in Arles

After 2 years of lockdowns and restrictions, we were able to take a trip abroad in June 2022. Our first visit was to Arles. Tom and I had seen a documentary* about the LUMA experimental cultural centre on the European TV channel Arte and were very excited about it.

*Unfortunately, the documentary is no longer available.

We live in a culture-poor area. This is why we took every opportunity to experience art during our holiday. Fortunately, we were often also able to combine this with another activity we cherish so much: nature walks.

4 Modern Art Museums in Valencia that Are Very Worthwhile Exploring

March 10, 2023March 9, 2023 by Hannie Mommers

Several Modern Art museums in Valencia are so worthwhile to visit.

Valencia is one of my favourite cities for a midweek trip. It is only 3 hours by car from my village and offers a huge variety of art, culture, and nature. The latter, in the beautiful botanical garden or in the immediate vicinity with beaches and marshes.

There are all kinds of museums in Valencia, plenty of choices. However, we like modern art the most, so those are the museums we visit more than once.

Until now we went for architecture and art, but a chance conversation with a compatriot during our visit to Bombas Gens has made us aware of the opera and dance culture that can also be experienced in Valencia.